"Today, we concluded two days of mediation with FMCS mediators and representatives of the NHL Players' Association. After spending several hours with both sides over two days, the presiding mediators concluded that the parties remained far apart, and that no progress toward a resolution could be made through further mediation at this point in time. We are disappointed that the mediation process was not successful."

Shortly after learning that mediation had not been a success, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman reportedly suggested a players-owners meeting as a possible way to break the labor gridlock.

https://twitter.com/KatieStrangESPN/status/274276018230005762

https://twitter.com/DarrenDreger/status/274278619126300672

The lack of mediation success may not immediately further shorten a season that's already seen the cancellation of games through Dec. 14, the Winter Classic, and the All-Star weekend in Columbus, Ohio in January.
https://twitter.com/LouisJean_TVA/status/274278941236277248

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